(Image source: WLS-TV / Daily Mail)

BY EMILY SPAIN

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Nearly 39-weeks pregnant and running the Chicago Marathon -- the two don’t seem to pair up. Except that’s exactly what 27-year-old Amber Miller did on Sunday. But her workout didn’t end at the finish line, just hours later she gave birth to a baby girl. Here’s Chicago’s WMAQ.

“She crossed the finish line, and at 10:30 last night gave birth to her second child...Amber and her husband named the baby June, and the 7 pound 13 ounce bundle of joy is said to be doing very well. I'm surprised she didn't come running out of there.”

Miller completed the 26.2 mile stretch in 6 hours and 25 minutes.  She says toward the end of the race she started having contractions.

So why did Miller decide to take on the course? Chicago’s WLS-TV has this explanation from the newly-dubbed “marathon mom”...

"I was having a conversation with my parents and said, 'You know what? I honestly have no plans of actually finishing...I kind of was planning on running half, and then maybe skipping to the end, and walking across the finish line."

Even though she told ABC her doctor gave her the okay -- there’s been some online outrage.
A critic posted this comment on the Orlando Sentinel website:

“Running a marathon is hard on a body and so many things can go wrong. Why would anyone [intentionally] put their baby into a situation that could be dangerous? … Even if some doctor thought it okay and you are in tip-top shape...”

A group on Good Morning America weighed in on the issue in a more positive light. Here’s what ABC’s medical contributor had to say about staying active with a baby bump:

“I don’t think that you’re ever going to get to be the champion that you were before your pregnancy. Pregnancy is always going to slow you down a little bit. You have the weight, you have the center of gravity, you have your joints and everything, but as long as you listen to your body and can keep a conversation, you should be fine.”

And a writer for Runner’s World thinks ultimately running the marathon was Miller’s choice.

“Wow! was my first reaction. Huh! was my second. Is that safe? Well, came my third and final thought, apparently it was for this person and her baby. None of my business anyway. So, good on them.”

The LA Times reports that Miller says the race was easier than giving birth. Miller’s Monday plans? “Taking it easy”.

Transcript by Newsy.